Little Gulls linger

31st December 2007 - overcast S3
Offshore
Late morning observations (1100-1200) produced two small groups of Little Gull (6 adults) + (3 adults, 2 first-winter) feeding offshore. Also seen were 15 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 9 Shag and 2 Razorbill.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret and several Merlin were logged.

The birds appear as the weather finally relents

30th December 2007 - overcast/calm
Offshore
A quick check offshore on the rising tide produced a single Great Northern Diver amongst 32 Red-throated Diver along with 55 Common Scoter, 9 Shag and a Kittiwake.
Diurnal Migration
A southbound Snow Bunting headlined and other sightings included a total of 350 Pink-footed Geese heading north, a family party of 5 Whooper Swan heading south and 2 unusually late Siskin.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of pale-bellied Brent Geese increased to 62 birds and 8 dark-bellied birds were also logged. At least 7 Greenshank continue to over-winter.
Miscellaneous
At least 10 Little Egret remain to stalk the island salt marshes, the ringtail Hen Harrier put in another appearance a couple of Merlin were logged and finch flocks included 100 Goldfinch, 80 Twite, 30 Greenfinch and 30 Linnet.

Velvet Scoter saves the day

29th December 2007 - overcast/rain W5/6/7/8
Offshore
Morning observations before the weather completely deterioated (0845-0945) produced a female Velvet Scoter heading into Morecambe Bay. The only other sightings to trouble the log were 3 Kittiwake, 2 Common Scoter anda Razorbill.

Wet weather dominates

28th December 2007 - overcast/rain at times S5/6
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 58 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and a flock of 1000 Golden Plover fed in the now flooded fields.
Mammals
A Weasel was the highlight of the day.

Brent Geese and Little Egrets

27th December 2007 - rain SW4
Offshore
Morning observations 90900-1000) in very wet conditions produced just 6 Razorbill, 3 Common Scoter and single Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 58 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain and a Peregrine was logged.

A drake Gadwall heads sightings

26th December 2007 - overcast SW3/4
Grounded Migrants
A single Fieldfare was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A drake Gadwall and the lingering flock of 58 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged and 10000 Knot and a single Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret remain and a single Merlin hunted a mixed flock of 70 Twite and 30 Goldfinch.

Christmas break

25th December 2007 - early mist/fog then suuny spells, calm
Nil Watching today.

Long-tailed Duck tops the bill

24th December 2007 - mist/rain S2/1
Offshore
Observations on the falling tide (1100-1200) were highlighted by a female/immature Long-tailed Duck. Also seen were 20 Common Scoter, 5 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver and a single Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
A single Redwing was new in as the cold spell comes to an end.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 61 Brent Geese held 58 pale-bellied birds and 4 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
The itinerant wintering flock of 80 Twite put in another appearance and 2 Little Egret and a Peregrine were seen.

Brent Geese remain

23rd December 2007 - early frost SE2/3
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided 130 Common Scoter, 22 Red-breasted Merganser, 20 Red-throated Diver, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill and a Black Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Two Mistle Thrush were perhaps a further indicator of cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 58 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain and waders included 9 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 2 Merlin remain.

Record numbers of Brent Geese

22nd December 2007 - early frost then rain SE2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
A brief search at high tide produced record numbers of Brent Geese with 58 pale-bellied and 51 dark-bellied individuals recorded. Also seen were 90 Pintail and 2 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Single Merlin and Peregrine were logged along with 13 Little Egret.

Woodcock is another late addition to year list

21st December 2007 - heavy frost SE2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
A Woodcock, presumably a refugee from the continued frost, was new in and 2 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
Highlights of further Winter Atlas work on the remoter, less often visited, areas of the island involved single Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Merlin and Water Rail and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker - it has probably been the best ever autumn/winter for the latter species on the island.

Snow Bunting added to year list

20th December 2007 - early frost/misty SE2/3
Diurnal Migration
Despite the cold weather a large flock of 400 Pink-footed Geese headed north early morning.
Miscellaneous
The highlight of the day involved 2 Snow Bunting shuffling along the tideline on the western shore. The ringtail Hen Harrier put in another brief appearance and 2 Little Egret and a Merlin were logged.
Cetaceans
No sign of yesterdays Common Dolphins is hopefully good news.

Divers and Dolphins

19th December 2007 - early frost NE2
Offshore
Early morning highlights involved a singles of Great Northern Diver and Long-tailed Duck and 2 Shag. Also seen were 70 Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 6 Razorbill and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A small skein of 15 Pink-footed Geese flew south.
Wildfowl and Waders
An impressive flock of 35000 Knot wheeled over the mudflats.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven were logged and a Merlin stalked a flock of 100 Goldfinch.
Cetaceans
Two Common Dolphin stranded on the western shore of the island became the unfortunate pawns in a media circus prior to being refloated and swimming off on the evening tide.

Further small scale cold weather movement

18th December 2007 - overcast E2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0830-0930) produced 115 Common Scoter, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Red-throated Diver and 4 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
A Fieldfare was amongst 16 Blackbird as the trickle of cold weather migrants continues.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Jack Snipe proved to be the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret frequented the salt marshes and tidal pools.

Winter Atlas turns up a few surprises

17th December 2007 - early frost SE2/3
Grounded Migrants
The theme of the last few days continues with 2 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush providing further evidence of some cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 2 Purple Sandpiper fed on the exposed scars at low tide.
Miscellaneous
The fine weather finally allowed for some Winter Atlas survey work in the less frequently visited areas of the island and this produced a few surprises. Single Buzzard and Yellowhammer were recorded, both excellent records, their island status a reflection of differing local trends on the nearby mainland. Buzzard is currently on the increase and Yellowhammer in decline. A Ring-necked Parakeet on the centre of the island was perhaps of more dubious origins.

Winter doldrums

16th December 2007 - overcast/murky SE3/4
Offshore
Early morning observations (0900-1000) provided 25 Common Scoter, 20 Razorbill, 11 Red-throated Diver, 5 Wigeon, 3 Teal and 2 Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
Groups of 31 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
Just 4 Little Egret were logged while at least 2 Merlin and a Peregrine remain.

Hen Harrier reappears

15th December 2007 - early frost SE3/4
Offshore
A total of 4 Red-throated Diver was the only record of note over the sea.
Grounded Migrants
A Mistle Thrush and small numbers of Blackbird and Song Thrush were further evidence of some small scale cold weather movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Totals of 31 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 7 dark-bellied Brent Goose and 3 Greenshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
The ringtail Hen Harrier put in another appearance along with 3 Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine. At least 11 Little Egret and 50 Twite remain.

Winter specialities settle in

14th December 2007 - overcast/murky SE3/4
Grounded Migrants
A hint of cold weather movement was provided by a handful of Blackbird and Song Thrush.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 100 Pintail, 30 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 7 dark-bellied Brent Goose while 10 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret remain and single Water Rail and Merlin were logged. A group of 50 Twite remain, albeit elusively.

Little Egrets are only sighting of note

13th December 2007 - sunny spells SE3/4
Miscellaneous
A group of 12 Little Egret continue to stalk the tidal pools and salt marshes along the eastern side of the island.

Expected winter fare

12th December 2007 - overcast SE2/3
Wildfowl and waders
At least 10 Greenshank and the adult Spotted Redshank remain.
Miscellaneous
The small wintering flock of Twite and at least 9 Little Egret remain.

Hen Harrier steals the limelight

11th December 2007 - bright and sunny, early frost N2/3
Miscellaneous
Although few birds were logged quality made up for the lack of quantity with a ringtail Hen Harrier proving the star attraction and a total of 11 Little Egret logged.

Wildfowl and wader extravaganza

10th December 2007 - overcast N2/3
Wildfowl and waders
Totals for the monthly WeBS count included 1565 Shelduck, 2200 Wigeon, 565 Teal, 186 Eider, 5075 Eider, 177 Grey Plover, 1225 Lapwing, 910 Golden Plover, 17100 Knot, 120 Sanderling, 3130 Dunlin, 910 Curlew, 2335 Redshank and 236 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egret were logged.

Great Northern Diver tops the bill

9th December 2007 - sunny spells and showers NE2/3/4
Offshore
A Great Northern Diver spent the high tide period feeding close inshore, also seen were a late Gannet and 22 Common Scoter, 8 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Shag and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A group of 4 Whooper Swan and two Siskin were evidence of some late southerly movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5300 Knot, 1720 Dunlin, 1060 Redshank, 13 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank. A small group of 5 pale-bellied Brent Geese were the pick of the wildfowl.
Miscellaneous
Flocks of 100 Goldfinch and 80 Twite were seen and single Little Egret, Water Rail and Merlin logged.

Still it pours!

8th December 2007 - heavy rain SE4/5
Grounded Migrants
A rather bedraggled Fieldfare was new in.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese were present over the high tide amongst 1970 Wigeon, 1540 Shelduck and 52 Pintail. Waders included 11800 Knot, 4360 Oystercatcher, 1230 Redshank, 1225 Lapwing, 1160 Dunlin, 900 Curlew, 870 Golden Plover, 18 Purple Sandpiper and a single Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
Just three Little Egret wandered into view through the gloom and at least 20 Twite remain.

And still it rains

7th December 2007 - rain/heavy at times WNW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0850-0920) produced little activity over the sea with just 12 Common Scoter and a Razorbill logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The large flock of 10000 Knot and the family group of 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Miscellaneous
Both Merlin and Peregrine targeted the large flock of Knot and reduced the size of the flock by two.

Still raining

6th December 2007 - overcast/rain SW4/5
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 60 Pintail, 9 Shoveler and 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese while 10000 Knot and a single Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A single Grey Wagtail in the now flooded fields was unexpected while a Merlin and at least 5 Little Egret remain.

Long-tailed Duck Headlines

5th December 2007 - rain at times SW4/5/6
Offshore
Late morning observations (1000-1100) were led by a female/immature Long-tailed Duck heading out of Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 3 Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Kittiwake and Common Scoter.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain.

Damp and miserable

4th December 2007 - overcast/rain/mist SSW4/5/6
Offshore
Late morning observations (1000-1030 & 1115-1145) as the gloom cleared momentarily produced 6 Shag, 5 Razorbill, 4 Kittiwake, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Red-throated Diver and a single Common Scoter.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Black-tailed Godwit and 3000 Knot were the only waders of note logged.
Miscellaneous
The pair of Raven remain and a total of 5 Little Egret were recorded.

Little Auk and Little Gulls

3rd December 2007 - overcast/rain at times W4/5
Offshore
Morning observations (0815-0845 & 1000-1030) stole the days headlines with a single Little Auk and a flock of 20 Little Gull feeding offshore. Also seen were 8 Razorbill, 6 Shag, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Red-throated Diver and 2 Common Scoter.
Diurnal Migration
A single Lesser Redpoll was suggestive of some late movement.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 5 Greenshank and a single Spotted Redshank were logged.
Miscellaneous
A pair of Raven were new in and single Merlin and Peregrine were logged. A flock of 60 Twite were also recorded.

Gadwall move in

2nd December 2007 - rain/calm
Offshore
Despite the continuous rain the tranquil seas revealed 8 Shag and single Razorbill and Black Guillemot but nothing else of note.
Wildfowl and Waders
A pair of Gadwall were new in and 10 Shoveler were logged. Waders included 10 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 12 Little Egret remain and two flocks of Twite comprising 80 birds were seen.

Season End

1st December 2007 - heavy showers SW5/6
Offshore
Morning observations saw a small amount of movement with 26 Kittiwake, 23 Razorbill, 7 Common Scoter and 4 Red-throated Diver.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 9 Shoveler mingled amongst 550 Teal and at least one Greenshank remains.
Miscellaneous
Perhaps surprisingly after yesterdays record total only 4 Little Egret were found. Both Hooded Crow remain in residence.

Record numbers of Little Egret

30th November 2007 - overcast/rain later SW4/5
Wildfowl and Waders
Amongst the large numbers of Wigeon, Shelduck and Teal present were 85 Pintail, 33 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 7 dark-bellied Brent Geese.
Miscellaneous
The number of Little Egret present off the east side of the island increased to a record 13 individuals. Also seen were 65 Twite and a Rock Pipit.

Hooded Crow remains

29th November 2007 - bright and sunny W3/4
Miscellaneous
The only notable sightings involved some long staying regulars, a total of 12 Little Egret were among the tidal pools while single Hooded Crow and Chiffchaff were also logged.

A dismal day

28th November 2007 - rain SW4/5/6
Miscellaneous
A dank and dreary day limited observations and the only notable sightings involved the continued presence of a total of 11 Little Egrets feeding among the salt marsh pools on the eastern side of the island.

Cormorant origins revealed

27th November 2007 - overcast/drizzle at times SW2
Ringing
Nationally important numbers of Cormorant arrive on the island in the autumn during post-breeding dispersal. The origins of some of these birds is now clearer with the details of a darvic ringed bird recently received. Recorded on 21st October 2007, the bird had been ringed as a nestling on Puffin Island, North Wales on 23rd June 2007.
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egret remain scattered among the tidal pools on the eastern side of the island.

Little Coverage

26th November 2007 - overcast W1
Miscellaneous
A total of 11 Little Egrets remain scattered along the eastern side of the island.
Image
The Black Guillemot recently found residing in Walney Channel.

Iceland Gull takes star billing

25th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times NW4/5
Rarities
An adult Iceland Gull drifted slowly north along the western shore.
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0830-0930) involved 19 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill, 10 Common Scoter and 5 Red-throated Diver. Observations later in the day on the ebbing tide (1415-1515) produced an additional 40 Common Scoter, 5 Razorbill, 4 Shag, 4 Kittiwake and 2 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by a single Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
Flocks of 1300 Wigeon and 500 Teal were spectacular while waders included 2500 Dunlin, 500 Knot, 10 Greenshank and single Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret and 55 Twite remain. Both Peregrine and Merlin attended the large wader flocks.

Black Guillemot still in residence

24th November 2007 - rain then showers SW8/7/6
Offshore
Early morning observations on the western shore proved fruitless with rain and wild seas hampering viewing. Later observations as the wind and tide dropped (1330-1430) provided slightly more interest with 16 Razorbill, 10 Kittiwake, 2 Common Scoter and 2 Red-throated Diver logged. The Black Guillemot remained in the calmer sheltered waters on the east side of the island and was joined by a Red-throated Diver.
Miscellaneous
Even the Little Egrets were hiding with just 2 birds seen while a total of 7 Rock Pipit were flushed from the salt marsh by the high tide.

Goosander surprise

23rd November 2007 - bright and frosty N2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced 100 Razorbill, 17 Common Scoter, 10 Kittiwake, 5 Red-throated Diver and 2 Goosander. The Black Guillemot continues to linger in Walney Channel.
Grounded Migrants
At least one Chiffchaff remains and is perhaps a candidate for overwintering.
Diurnal Migration
Still a few birds on the move with 2 Whooper Swan and single Tree Sparrow, Redpoll and Grey Wagtail logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers continue to build with 140 birds present - perhaps a reflection on the cold weather.
Miscellaneous
At least 5 Little Egret and a single Hooded Crow remain.

Still some movement evident

22nd November 2007 - overcast N3/4/5
Offshore
Little of note with just 3 Razorbill and 3 Kittiwake logged.
Diurnal Migration
Again some relatively late movement was evident with 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Brambling and single Lesser Redpoll, Raven and Woodpigeon recorded.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pick of the waders were 6 Greenshank and a single Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Foraging finch flocks included 70 Twite, 65 Goldfinch, 50 Greenfinch and 35 Linnet. Only 3 Little Egret could be found.

Black Guillemot remains

21st November 2007 - misty and damp S2
Offshore
The Black Guillemot remained in the sheltered waters of Walney Channel.
Grounded Migrants
A few new birds were in evidence with 15 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff and singles of Goldcrest and Redwing logged.
Diurnal Migration
Some late movement included 26 Pink-footed Goose, 11 Siskin, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Purple Sandpiper was the pick of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
A varied selection included a number of long-stayers with 50 Twite, 5 Little Egret and 2 Hooded Crow logged along with single Water Rail and Coal Tit - the later perhaps surprisingly still an island scarcity.

Yet another Black Guillemot

20th November 2007 - overcast E3/4
Offshore
At least 9 Shag remain however other sightings were limited to just 8 Kittiwake and 8 Razorbill. Another Black Guillemot sheltered on the eastern side of the island.
Diurnal Migration
A small late movement included 6 Chaffinch and singles of both Grey Wagtail and Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 15 Purple Sandpiper roosted over the early morning tide.
Miscellaneous
The Little Egrets proved generally elusive with just 3 birds logged. A Merlin and 60 Twite were also seen.

A very quiet day

19th November 2007 - overcast/drizzle at times E6/5/4
Offshore
Little movement was noted with observations (0815-0915) providing just 10 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Pintail.
Diurnal Migration
Several small groups of Starling comprising a total of 44 birds headed north over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 9 Shoveler and a single Purple Sandpiper were logged.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Little Egret remain.

Canadian regular reappears

18th November 2007 - overcast/drizzle at times SE5
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) were highlighted by a Black Guillemot flying into Morecambe Bay. Also seen were 6 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 20 pale-bellied and 33 dark-bellied Brent Geese included the Canadian ringed individual returning for its seventh winter.
Miscellaneous
The 12 Little Egret remain scattered along the eastern shore.

Another late Chiffchaff

17th November 2007 - increasingly windy with rain at times SW4/5/6/7
Offshore
Observations (0830-1030 & 1300-1400) produced 50 Common Scoter, 15 Razorbill, 11 Kittiwake, 9 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-breasted Merganser and a single Goldeneye. A Black Guillemot preferred the calmer waters to be found on the east side of the island.
Grounded Migrants
Although a Chiffchaff was new in, there was little evidence of further movement with just 4 Blackbird and single Redwing and Song Thrush seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
A recent influx saw a total of 620 Teal logged while waders included 10 Greenshank, the generally elusive wintering Spotted Redshank and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
Several Little Egrets and 5 Long-tailed Tit remain.

Predictable November fare

16th November 2007 - overcast SE1/2
Offshore
A quick look over the sea on the falling tide produced 20 Kittiwake, 3 Shag and single Razorbill and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned under misty conditions which produced a few thrushes with 5 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare logged along with 2 Tree Sparrow.
Miscellaneous
At least 11 Little Egret, 50 Twite and 5 Long-tailed Tit remain.

Late Chiffchaff

15th November 2007 - early frost/rain by evening SE1
Grounded Migrants
A late Chiffchaff was new in.
Miscellaneous
At least 9 Little Egret and 4 Long-tailed Tit remain.

Hooded Crow and Little Egrets

14th November 2007 - overcast N1
Offshore
A flock of 10 Common Scoter were seen.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 2 Song Thrush as autumn migration peters out.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow, at least 11 Little Egret and 2 Merlin remain. The itinerant flock of Twite put in another appearance with 60 birds logged. Two small flocks of Long-tailed Tit comprising 10 birds were recorded and a Barn Owl appeared through the early morning mist.

Little Egrets increase

13th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times NW5/6
Miscellaneous
The only notable sighting involved an increase in the wintering Little Egret population with at least 12 individuals seen.

Hooded Crow remains

12th November 2007 - early frost then sunny N1/2
Offshore
Just 20 Razorbill and 4 Red-throated Diver were recorded.
Grounded Migrants
Again limited to a handful of Blackbird, Song Thrush and Chaffinch.
Diurnal Migration
Early morning movement produced 70 Starling, 6 Tree Sparrow, 3 Brambling, 2 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese headlined while totals from the monthly WeBS count included 1015 Shelduck, 1375 Wigeon, 255 Teal, 230 Mallard, 137 Eider, 47 Red-breasted Merganser, 3465 Oystercatcher, 320 Golden Plover, 246 Grey Plover, 355 Lapwing, 1035 Knot, 200 Sanderling, 4160 Dunlin, 80 Bar-tailed Godwit, 595 Curlew, 1180 Redshank and 165 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and small flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit remain, albeit elusively. A total of 7 Little Egret were logged and at least 3 Merlin were seen.

Traditional November fare

11th November 2007 - overcast then suuny NE4/3/2/1
Offshore
A quick scan over the sea on the rising tide produced 21 Common Scoter, 14 Kittiwake, 14 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 8 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush and a few Chaffinch included at least some new birds.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of birds remain on the move with 10 Jackdaw, 8 Whooper Swan, 6 Mute Swan and 2 Tree Sparrow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 15 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret and 35 Twite remain and single Merlin and Peregrine were seen.

Slavonian Grebe takes the plaudits

10th November 2007 - sunshine and showers NW5/6
Offshore
There was little of note over the sea (0800-0900) with just 11 Razorbill, 2 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Slavonian Grebe favoured the sheltered waters between the mainland and the island. Also seen were totals of 2370 Oystercatcher, 2240 Dunlin, 1000 Knot, 865 Wigeon, 745 Shelduck, 630 Redshank, 565 Curlew, 320 Golden Plover, 14 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 4 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain and 2 Merlin were seen.

Typical November assortment

9th November 2007 - bright and sunny N5
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0830-0930) comprised 30 Razorbill, 16 Common Scoter, 4 Shag and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Only evidenced by 3 Blackbird and 3 Song Thrush although 26 Greenfinch and 4 Chaffinch were likely to involve some migrants.
Diurnal Migration
A small movement early morning included 11 Jackdaw, 7 Fieldfare, 5 Carrion Crow, 2 Siskin and a Redwing.
Wildfowl and Waders
Totals of 50 Pintail, 15 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 9 Shoveler were recorded and an influx saw 11 Goldeneye logged. A single Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
A group of 35 Twite were seen along with single Merlin, Peregrine and Little Egret.

A late Leach's Petrel

8th November 2007 - sunny spells and squally showers W6/7/8
Offshore
Conditions were only really suitable for a seawatch and observations (0930-1130) were enlivened by a late Leach's Petrel moving out of Morecambe Bay after a particularly heavy squall. Other sightings involved 14 Razorbill, 6 Kittiwake, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Shag and 2 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 2500 Knot, 1000 Dunlin, 175 Sanderling and a Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The wintering flock of Twite increased to 50 individuals and single Merlin and Little Egret were logged.

Offshore sightings to the fore

7th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times W5
Offshore
Morning observations (0830-0930) provided 155 Razorbill, 24 Kittiwake, 15 Common Scoter, 15 Guillemot and a single Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Just a single Grey Wagtail was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Pintail numbers begin to build with 56 birds logged and 2 pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen.
Miscellaneous
A flock of 35 Twite were logged and single Little Egret and Peregrine were seen. A Rock Pipit was flushed from the salt marsh by the rising tide.

Autumn draws to a close?

6th November 2007 - bright and sunny NW3/4
Grounded Migrants
New arrivals remain sparse and were limited to single Woodpigeon, Fieldfare and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few birds are still on the move with 150 Jackdaw, 30 Greenfinch, 26 Chaffinch, 3 Carrion Crow, 2 alba Wagtail and a late Swallow logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A family party of 5 Whooper Swans made landfall on the salt marsh and 17 pale-bellied Brent Geese were also logged.
Miscellaneous
Just a single Little Egret and Water Rail were logged.

Velvet Scoter leads offshore sightings

5th November 2007 - overcast/rain at times W5/6
Offshore
Early morning observations (0745-0845) were led by a female Velvet Scoter with a supporting cast of 200 Razorbill, 40 Common Scoter, 13 Kittiwake, 6 Red-throated Diver, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Gannet and a Guillemot. At least 4 Shag remain.
Grounded Migrants
Although the Black Redstart remained the only other evidence of grounded migrants in the unfavourable conditions involved 3 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and a Redwing.
Miscellaneous
At least 4 Little Egret remain

White-fronted Geese take star billing

4th November 2007 - overcast/murky E1
Grounded Migrants
A select showing was headed by a Black Redstart but also included 16 Blackbird, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Brambling and single Grey Wagtail and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few species are still on the move, sightings included 335 Jackdaw, 300 Starling, 180 Pink-footed Goose, 23 Fieldfare, 19 Whooper Swan, 13 Redpoll, 6 Siskin, 4 Redwing and 2 alba Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese headlined with a supporting cast of 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a handful of Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
At least 8 Little Egret and 4 Water Rail were scattered across the island. Both Hooded Crow put in an appearance and a flock of 40 Twite were logged.

Mediterranean Gull new in

3rd November 2007 - overcast WNW3
Offshore
Early morning observations prior to 0830hrs produced 105 Razorbill, 87 Common Scoter, 5 Kittiwake and a Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
New birds were sparse but 3 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush and single Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail and Goldcrest were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Birds are still on the move and totals included 750 Jackdaw, 260 Fieldfare, 230 Starling, 65 Redwing, 65 Greenfinch, 15 Whooper Swan, 12 Carrion Crow, 12 Rook, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Siskin and single Brambling, Redpoll, Rock Pipit and Mistle Thrush seen.
Wildfowl and Waders
The wintering specialities are now to the fore with 28 dark-bellied Brent Goose, 21 pale-bellied Brent Goose and 11 Greenshank logged.
Miscellaneous
A second-winter Mediterranean Gull was new for the year. At least 7 Little Egret fed amongst the tidal pools at low tide and the flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit are still in residence. A group of 40 Twite were seen.

Typical early November selection

2nd November 2007 - overcast then sunny W1/2
Offshore
Early morning observations (0730-0830) produced 15 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver and a Razorbill. The early evening tide provided a group of 8 Shag but little else of note.
Grounded Migrants
Small numbers of thrushes continue to appear with 6 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing and single Blackbird and Fieldfare logged. At least 2 Goldcrest were seen and a Rock Pipit flitted amongst the coastal revetments.
Diurnal Migration
Early morning movement involved 20 Chaffinch, 18 Redwing, 8 Fieldfare and 2 Brambling.
Wildfowl and Waders
The numbers of Wigeon, Shelduck and Teal continue to build and waders included 2000 Dunlin, 17 Greenshank and 12 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A group of 9 Little Egret roosted over the tide. The small flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit and single Hooded Crow and Water Rail remain. Both Barn Owl and Little Owl remain active during the twilight hours.

Hooded Crow remains

1st November 2007 - overcast SW3/4
Miscellaneous
The long-staying Hooded Crow and 8 Little Egret were the only sightings of note.

A quieter day

31st October 2007 - overcast SW3/4
Grounded Migrants
Thrushes continue to dominate with 15 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and a Fieldfare logged.
Diurnal Migration
Early morning observations produced 50 Meadow Pipit, 16 Whooper Swan, 10 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow and single Raven and Grey Wagtail.
Waders
At least 8 Black-tailed Godwit remain.
Miscellaneous
The group of 4 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Merlin and a Little Egret remain.

Thrushes continue to move through

30th October 2007 - bright start then overcast WSW1/2/3
Grounded Migrants
An increase over recent days saw 16 Song Thrush, 16 Blackbird, 15 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare and 2 Goldcrest grounded in the daily recording area.
Diurnal Migration
A bright start saw birds again on the move from the crack of dawn and early morning totals included 570 Jackdaw, 450 Meadow Pipit, 62 Redwing, 60 Fieldfare, 53 Carrion Crow, 20 Song Thrush, 20 Skylark, 15 Tree Sparrow, 10 Chaffinch, 10 alba Wagtail, 8 Whooper Swan, 4 Grey Wagtail and single Mistle Thrush and Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
At least 9 Greenshank and 13 Black-tailed Godwit were seen along with large numbers of Redshank.
Miscellaneous
The group of 4 Long-tailed Tit and at least one Merlin remain and another or perhaps the same Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen. A small group of 15 Twite were logged.

Little of note

29th October 2007 - sunny spells WNW4/5
Miscellaneous
A small flock of 4 Long-tailed Tit was the only notable record.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker run continues

28th October 2007 - early rain then sunny spells W3/4
Offshore
Early morning sightings (0800-0900hrs) were limited to 15 Common Scoter, 7 Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
A few thrushes comprising 7 Song Thrush, 6 Blackbird and a Redwing were seen along with single Goldcrest and White Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
Another Great Spotted Woodpecker led sightings which also included 110 Starling, 15 Skylark, 3 Siskin, 3 Redpoll and a White Wagtail.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 720 Shelduck were logged and 2 Black-tailed Godwit were seen.
Miscellaneous
At least one Water Rail and 30 Twite remain on the island.
Butterflies
Both Small Copper and Peacock are still on the wing.

Flyover Lapland Bunting

27th October 2007 - misty start then overcast/drizzle S1/2/3/4
Rarities
A Lapland Bunting announced its presence as it flew along the western shoreline.
Offshore
Just 2 Shag and a solitary Gannet were logged.
Grounded Migrants
The calm and misty start produced a few more birds than of late with an apparent influx of Stonechat producing at least 18 birds, also seen were 14 Goldcrest, 12 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush and single Blackcap and Redwing.
Diurnal Migration
A few species continue to trickle through with 430 Starling, 18 Meadow Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 10 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 7 alba Wagtail, 4 Skylark, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Siskin and a Mistle Thrush logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Singles of Black-tailed Godwit and Purple Sandpiper were seen.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin stalked a small flock of 16 Twite.

Velvet Scoter leads offshore sightings

26th October 2007 - overcast/murky S5
Offshore
A drake Velvet Scoter was the pick of offshore sightings although a steady passage of Razorbill over the tide provided a total of 1290 birds. Other sightings involved 43 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 12 Guillemot, 7 Shag and a Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Again little evidence of newly grounded birds with just 2 Song Thrush and single Fieldfare, Redwing, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A total of 1820 Wigeon were logged along with 20 Pintail, 15 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank.
Miscellaneous
Several Merlin and at least 6 Little Egret remain.
Mammals
Two Harbour Porpoise were offshore.

Little Egret numbers continue to build

25th October 2007 - overcast NE1/2
Grounded Migrants
Totals included 6 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff and a single Goldcrest while in excess of 100 Blackbird were scattered across the island - surely including some migrants.
Diurnal Migration
No coordinated observations were undertaken, however, 100 Pink-footed Geese, 20 Greenfinch, 10 Skylark, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Grey Wagtail and singles of Swallow, Fieldfare, Brambling, Redpoll and Twite were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 4 pale-bellied Brent Geese were new in.
Miscellaneous
A total of 9 Little Egret were to be found across the island's salt marshes and tidal pools. A single Merlin was seen.

Jackdaws continue to dominate the skies

24th October 2007 - bright and sunny E3/2/1
Offshore
An Arctic Tern proved the highlight with sightings over the tide otherwise limited to 58 Razorbill, 16 Common Scoter, 8 Shag, 5 Gannet and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Birds continue to remain scarce with just 4 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and single Redwing, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Jackdaws again darkened the skies with a huge flock of 2200 birds lingering over the island throughout the morning. Other records included 870 Starling, 147 Pink-footed Goose, 80 Linnet, 57 Skylark, 52 Meadow Pipit, 22 alba Wagtail, 20 Carrion Crow, 14 Tree Sparrow, 8 Redpoll, 7 Whooper Swan, 5 Siskin and single Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Mistle Thrush and Twite.
Miscellaneous
Although unable to pick off yesterdays Razorbills a Peregrine was more successful when targeting the Jackdaw flock. At least 4 Little Egret remain amongst the tidal pools.
Butterflies
A total of 10 Red Admiral and a Small Copper were logged.
Dragonflies
A late Common Darter was seen.

Richard's Pipit continues to remain elusive

23rd October 2007 - murky then hazy sun SE5/4/3/2
Rarities
The vocal Richard's Pipit put in a brief appearance, giving good flight views mid-morning, but generally continues to prove elusive.
Offshore
Observations over the falling tide (0900-1300hrs) provided 445 Razorbill, 15 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet, 2 Shag and single Red-throated Diver and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Remaining quiet with just 3 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush and single Redwing, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest logged.
Diurnal Migration
Sightings were dominated by four large flocks of Jackdaw, all in the air together, which comprised 2020 birds. Other records included 410 Starling, 70 Meadow Pipit, 21 Linnet, 21 Skylark, 20 Greenfinch, 19 Carrion Crow, 17 Pink-footed Goose, 12 Twite, 9 alba Wagtail, 5 Siskin, 4 Whooper Swan, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Swallow and a Grey Wagtail.
Miscellaneous
A group of 8 Little Egret fed amongst the tidal pools and a Peregrine unsuccessfully hunted the groups of migrating Razorbill moving offshore.
Butterflies
There a still a few Red Admiral on the wing.